N.M. Governor Vetoes Bill To Help Gay Military Families

New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez vetoed a bill that would have helped same-sex domestic partners of military personnel obtain professional licenses in New Mexico. She later signed an identical bill that only protected heterosexual military couples, Salon reports.

The bill was drafted to expedite the process for military families or recent veterans who relocate to New Mexico, so that spouses or partners who need to become licensed in order to work—such as teachers or counselors—can quickly begin work. Agencies will have to issue a license to professionals related to military personnel "as soon as practicable," if the applicant is already licensed in another state, according to the Huffington Post.

“I’m pleased that we are now removing this red tape and making it easier for our troops, veterans, and military spouses to get to work right away,” Martinez said in a statement upon signing the bill last month.

Pat Davis of ProgressNOW New Mexico decried the move to the Post, and said that the Republican governor's message basically stated, "if you're gay, we're not going to help you." He added that this is especially harmful since New Mexico has a high population of service members and veterans.

“The rest of the country has moved forward and understands the sacrifice our proud gay service members make," Davis told Salon. "There is no excuse in today’s age for signing a bill that intentionally thumbs one’s nose at our gay soldiers unless you believe that their service and sacrifice is somehow less important.”

The law takes effect July 1.

by Anonymous

reply 11

04/10/2013

Fat, evil bitch. She and Jan Brewer can burn in hell.

by Anonymous

reply 1

04/09/2013

Limiting benefits in this way is very likely unconstitutional, unless a rational basis can be produced. Animus is not such a reason.

by Anonymous

reply 2

04/09/2013

Nasty Rethuglican cooze. Gays who vote Republican for any reason have Stockholm Syndrome, AND are Jews for Hitler!

by Anonymous

reply 3

04/09/2013

She's already campaigning for the Republican VP nomination.

by Anonymous

reply 4

04/09/2013

If Obama had balls, he'd have her on the phone and threaten to pull all military people out of N.M. and halt all Federal spending there.

by Anonymous

reply 5

04/10/2013

Hey Republicans, how's that reachy-outy thingy to the minorities working out for ya?

by Anonymous

reply 6

04/10/2013

[italic]Here's a question:[/italic] New Mexico is trending more Democratic, away from its long-established bellwether status, in presidential elections. Is there any reason the Democratic Party should, or could, not put up a candidate who can unseat Susana Martinez in next year's gubernatorial election?

by Anonymous

reply 7

04/10/2013

Ha! Well the good news is that she just ended her national political career.

The bad news, of course is that New Mexicans are stuck with this cunt.

by Anonymous

reply 8

04/10/2013

[quote]Hey Republicans, how's that reachy-outy thingy to the minorities working out for ya?

Hispanics like Martinez are notorious homophobes. They are the future of the repuke party and the repukes are pandering to them. They will soon be the marjority in the U.S. so this is our future.

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